Albatrosses and petrels, often referred to collectively as tubenoses, are among the most remarkable of birds, living as they do in the marine environment where human beings are little more than occasional, almost alien, visitors. Because of the difficulties in simply viewing tubenoses at sea, and because many species look similar, these birds pose many identification challenges. Peter Harrison’s classic Sebirds: An Identification Guide, published in 1983, and his follow-up photographic guide published in 1987, kindled the nascent pelagic dreams of land-based birders. Today it is easy to criticize Harrison’s books for some clunky illustrations and errors, but they were genuine contributions that set the stage for subsequent progress. Almost 25 years later a new guide to these birds’ identification worldwide would be welcome. Is this book (hereafter APSW) a worthy successor to Harrison? Has it incorporated what has been learned and published in the past 20 years?